Host institution: Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)

Host: Francesco Goia

Objectives:

The STSM strengthens the network among three research centres (eERG, ESTP and NTNU) around the common
research topic of the experimental characterisation of building façade components under real weather conditions.
The scientific objectives are:

gaining a deeper insight on the potentiality and limits of the ZEB Test Cells Laboratory recently completed at
NTNU, in order to identify candidate test components, in comparison with other test cell facilities

discussing and defining potential test procedures, with a focus, among the different aspects, on the outdoor
weather conditions, duration of the test, heat balance equations, data post-processing. These procedures
are, of course, connected to the type of test and type of characterization for the specific test (e.g.
determination of the optical properties of a transparent component, or determination of the thermal
insulation level under transient conditions)

collect and process data measured at the ZEB Test Cells Laboratory for the validation of a thermal model
developed by Cattarin within his PhD thesis at eERG and ESTP. The model will be further developed to meet
the needs of the facility and devised measurement procedures.

Home institution: University of Florence, Department of Architecture (DIDA)

Host institution: LNEG

Host: Laura Aelenei

Objectives:

The possibility to participate to STSM programme of the Cost Action TU4013 in the National Laboratory of Energy and Geology (LNEG) will allow me to improve my knowledge in the field of the existing research about the evolution of smart façade systems in the area of design and industrial production. The STMS will be focused to know the research methodologies adopted in the research Group of LNEG in order to investigate the technological, functional and qualitative standards of dynamic façades and evaluate the energy performances of the building envelope as a dynamic system that interacts between indoor and outdoor environment. In particular, the objectives of this STMS programme will be those following listed:

To analyse the state of art of the dynamic façade systems for the hot climate, and starting to map out these types of adaptive façades with the objective to increase the activity started in the WG1 with the creation of a supporting database.

To enhance the knowledge on novel materials, concepts and technologies and/or the new combinations of existing technologies for adaptive envelope, as indicated in the task 1.4 of WG1 •

To contribute to Annual Training School for dissemination of expertise to Early Stage Researchers

Host institution: Polytechnic of Turin – TEBE Research Group of the Energy (DENERG) Department

Host: Valentina Serra

Objectives:

The main objective of this STSM is to make progress in the Task 2.2 and 2.4 of WG2, mainly in the develop of new
numerical tools for evaluating the most promising adaptive technologies; as well as make progress in Deliverables
2.1, 2.2 and 2.4.
One objective of the STSM is to is to bring together and analyze the existing information in the field of Parametric and
generative tools for building performance, studying the full potential of parametric design integrating simulation
tools and optimization of building integrated different simulation tools adaptive façades design.
A secondary objectives of the STSM is to explore the possibility of joint research projects between the Polytechnic of
Turin, the CIEMAT and others (involving national and international funding).

2016-06: Philippe Molter - Elaboration of teaching units for members of the Adaptive façade network

Duration: 27.06.2016 – 05.07.2016

Home institution: Technische Universität München

Host institution: TU Delft

Host: Tillmann Klein

Objectives:

As a visitor at the host institution TU Delft I would like to set up an academic strategy of teaching units for members of the Adaptive façade network. The aim is to investigate in lecture series and handouts in combination with a didactic concept integrating adaptivity of building envelopes into a design studio or teaching unit of architectural departments at universities. This contains two main elements:

1. Presentation master: A series of lectures will be developed during this STSM. The façade research group at the TU Delft provides a huge knowledge and expertise in the field of building envelopes. Prof. Klein as well as Prof. Knaak are leading experts in the field of european façade construction and they are leading several phd’s which are investigating in adaptive building envelopes. A workshop with the staff of façade experts of the TU Delft is aimed to enrich and improve this base.

2. Workshop tool: For teaching units as the summer school in Hamburg an ‘active teaching unit’ will be developed: For this ‘active teaching unit’ we will define subject areas in which the students will investigate within a framework of research questions to deepen their knowledge on adaptive facades.

The goal of the STSM is to emphasize the importance of a coupled thermal & structural optimization of a given envelope, and specifically of an adaptive façade asked to modify its performances and boundary conditions over the time. In doing so, a case study will be first taken into account, so that it could be properly investigated via FE tools / Genetic Algorithms.

Host institution: University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Architecture Department

Host: José Miguel Rico Martinez

Objectives:

The objective of this STSM come in line with WG1 Cost Action 1403 objectives, one of these is the mapping of different adaptive technologies, to provide an overview about their performance and to collect and analyse facades and technologies already adopted in practice towards a proper characterization and definition finding.

During the period of this Short-Term Scientific Mission, preliminary research on the thermal behaviour of a basic functioning structural body of structural closed-cavity façade was performed by means of experimental tests and two-dimensional numerical modelling. The basic functioning structural body or the skeleton consists of a cold-formed steel frame onto which a glass panel is adhesively attached on each side. Using finite element software, the effect of several parameters, such as cavity width, section type, section thickness, etc., on the thermal performance of the basic unit was investigated. Afterwards, possible techniques to mitigate thermal bridges and to limit the thermal transmittance of the unit were discussed and assessed. This, and possible solutions to connect several units which were designed, will feed the follow-up investigation which is planned after this Short-Term Scientific Mission.

Host institution: Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste (Italy)

Host: Dr. Chiara Bedon

Objectives:

During the STSM, experimental and numerical results have been carefully analysed, interpreted and compared. The work that has been done during the STSM will be continued and finalized in the weeks following the STSM. The final aim is to collect all these comparisons in a common journal paper (partly drafted), which will be submitted to peer reviewed journals, as well as in Conference papers. The researchers involved in this STSM feel confident that the STSM visit has contributed to a solid collaborative link between the two research institutions. In this context, the support of the COST Action TU1403 in facilitating this STSM is gratefully acknowledged.

This STSM was framed into the activities developed as part of the on‐going PhD project “DRiEMS ‐ District
Renovation through integrated Energy Management Platform” and the EnEff:Stadt pilot project “SWIVT:
District energy modules for existing residential areas ‐ Impulses for linking energy efficient technologies”. The
experience was evaluated as positive both in terms of the progress made in research content, as well as in
terms of exchange, considering networking and the possibility to discuss and get relevant feedback from peers
and experts.

The activities carried out in this STSM are affiliated to work group 1 (WG1) in the COST Action TU1403, particularly to the task of developing a database that displays technological solutions and applications for adaptive facades. To collect this data, key criteria that describe the adaptive functionality in facades must be identified and systematically arranged. Since there is no definition yet existing on “adaptive facades”, the initial step of WG1 was to define key characteristics for adaptive facades and develop a matrix. The STSM intended to contribute to this ongoing task.

2015-10: Komnen Zizic - Digital tools for performance assessment of an adaptive facade in the early phase of design

Duration: 10.10.2015 – 21.10.2015

Home institution: University of Belgrade

Host institution: TU Delft. Faculty of Architecture

Host: Prof. Dr. Ulrich Knaack

Objectives:

The initial objective of the STSM was to further develop methods and techniques for modelling adaptive facade with expert assistance from TU Delft. There I collected information about digital tool‐based evaluation and assessment of adaptive façade in the early phase of the design. The idea was to make contribution tasks of WG2 and WG3. The research results will be presented in next international conferences.

Home institution: TU Delft. Faculty of Architecture. The Façade Research Group.

Host institution: TU Munich

Host: Prof. Dr. Thomas Auer

Summary:

This STSM was framed into the activities developed as part of the on‐going PhD project “COOLFACADE:
Architectural integration of solar driven cooling strategies into the curtain‐wall”. The experience was evaluated as positive both in terms of the progress made in research content, and also in terms of exchange, considering networking and the possibility to discuss and get relevant feedback from peers and experts.

Home institution: University of Cambridge – Glass and Façade Technology group

Host institution: University of Sydney – Faculty of Architecture, Design and Planning

Host: Dr. Francesco Fiorito

Objectives:

The main objective of the STSM was to develop and test a new simulation strategy enabling the performance evaluation and the optimisation of building integrated adaptive transparent technologies and shading devices through the integration of a Building Performance Energy and Lighting Simulation tool. This objective is in line with the partial fulfilment of the Task 2.2 and 2.4 of WG2, as well as with Deliverables 2.1, 2.2 and 2.4.

A secondary objectives of the STSM was to explore the possibility of joint research projects between the University of Sydney, the University of Cambridge and others (involving national and international funding).

The main objective of this STSM was to make progress in the tasks of the working group, mainly in the analysis of existing research about adaptive envelopes to achieve a robust common base of knowledge and agreement about the following aspects:
– What is adaptability in the field of building envelopes
– The concept of degree of adaptability
– The environment conditions an envelope could adapt to
– The envelope properties that permit adaptability
– The adequate classification system of adaptive materials, components and systems
– Types of conflicts appearing when one envelope must adapt to several environment conditions